Coin handling device



Feb- 2, 1965 H. F. Tlf-:DEMANN 3,158,179

COIN HANDLING DEVICE HARRY F. TIEDEMANN BY www ATTORNEYS Feb 2, 1965 H. F. TIEDEMANN COIN HANDLING DEVICE '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec.

INVENTOR. HARRY TIEDEMANN ATTORNEYS lOl H. F. Tu-:DEMANN 3,168,179

COIN HANDLING DEVICE '7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Feb. 2, 1965 Filed Deo. 1v, 1962 Feb. 2, 1965 H. F. TIEDEMANN com HANDLING DEVICE 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Dec, 1'7, 1962 HARRY F. TIEDEMANN MMM ATTORNEYS Feb- 2, 1965 H. F. TIEDEMANN 3,168,179

COIN HANDLING DEVICE Filed Dec. 1'?, 1962 '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 i l i l l Fle. 1o f: /I l u? VENTOR.

HARRY IEDEMANN ATTORNEYS Feb. 2, 1965 H. F. Tu-:DEMANN 3,168,179

com HANDLING DEVICE Filed Dec. 1v. 1962 7 sheets-sheet e INVENTOR. HARRY F. TIEDEMANN BY Mia/Mw@ ATTORNEYS Feb. 2, 1965 H. F. TIEDEMANN COIN HANDLING DEVICE Filed DeC. 17. 1962 j:03p flosN jlosl /1030/ /mHf '7 Sheets-Sheet '7 CURRENCY l PREDETERMINED COUNTER |03Do if FIG.13

INVENTOR. HARRY F. TIEDEMANN MJ WMM.

ATTORNEYS United States Patent O 3,168,179 COIN HANDLING DEVICE Harry Frederick Tiedemann, Oakland, Calif., assigner to Nevada Electronics Inc., Reno, Nev., a corporation of Nevada Fiied Dec. 17, 1962, Ser. No. 245,184 6 Claims. (Cl. 3194-98) This invention relates to coin handling devices and more particularly to such coin handling devices as may be employed in vending machines, coin changers and the like, whereby coins of one or more denominations may be received and dispensed by a machine.

With continued and increased usage of such machines, a need has arisen for coin handling devices of the type which may receive and expose various coins whereby they may be easily and quickly checked for counterfeit by visual inspection.

It is, therefore, a general object of this invention to provide an improved coin handling device.

It is a more particular object of this invention to provide an improved coin handling device for use in vending machines, coin changers and the like.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved coin handling device in which the coins fed thereto are exposed to view whereby they may be quickly and visually inspected for counterfeit.

It is ano-ther object of the invention to provide a coin handling device of the aforementioned character wherein a storage compartment of coins is exposed Whereby visual inspection will quickly reveal whether or not the machine is empty of coins of any particular denomination.

These and other objects and features of the invention will become more clearly apparent upon a review of the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawing in which:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational View o-f a single coin handling unit, partly in section, in accordance with this invention;

FIGURE 2 is a view taken along the line 2 2 of FIGURE 1 showing the coin receiving slot;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged detailed view taken along the line 3 3 of FIGURE 2 showing `a coin lock-out within the coin receiving slot in one position of operation;

FIGURE 4 is a view similar to FIGURE 3 but showing the lock-out in a different postion of operation;

FIGURE 5 is a view similar to the lower portion of FIGURE 1 but showing the device in a different stage of operation;

FIGURE 6 is a View taken within the circle 6 6 of FIGURE 5, but showing a coin handling Idog in a different position of operation;

FIGURE 7 is a view taken along the line 7 7 of FIGURE 1 showing the coin handling slots;

FIGURE 8 is a sectional view taken along the line 8 8 of FIGURE 7;

FIGURE 9 is a sectional view taken along the line 9 9 of FIGURE 7;

FIGURE l0 is a sectional view taken along the line 1(1 10 of FIGURE 7;

FIGURE 11 is a View showing the coin discharge mechanism in its extended position;

FIGURE 12 is a view partially showing the coin discharge mechanism in its returning stroke;

FIGURE 13 is a view showing a series of coin handling units one for each of various denominations of coins arranged in a single coin handling machine; and

FIGURE 14 is a schematic block diagram showing one use of the coin handling device in combination with a coin changing machine.

lCe

Referring to FIGURE l, a side elevation partly in section, a single coin handling unit is shown. The overall coin handling machine may include one or more of the units shown in FIGURES l to 12. The overall machine may, as in FIGURE 13, include six such units, one for each different denomination of coin. l

Referring particularly to FIGURE 1, there is shown a coin receiving portion or chute 11, a coin lifting section 13, a coin display column 15 and a coin ejecting mechanism 17.

Referring to FIGURES 1, 2, 3 and 4, the coin receiving portion 11 may be more closely analyzed. This portion includes a coin receiving slot 19. A plate 21 together with a pair of L-shaped guides 23 disposed below the plate 21 form a coin slide channel 25 having a Width slightly greater than the width of a coin to be used. The L-shaped channels 23 are so spaced that the dis'- tance Z7 between the narrow portions thereof is slightly greater than the width of a coin having the next smallest size than that for which the unit is to be used. For instance, if a particular unit is designed for a twenty-five cent piece, the channel 25 will have a width only slightly greater than the diameter of a twenty-five cent piece but less than the diameter of a half dollar. On the other hand, the distance 27 between the L-shaped channels 23 will be less than the diameter of a twenty-tive cent piece but slightly greater than the diameter of a live cent piece. Thus coins of the wrong denomination will either not be accepted or will fall through the o-pen distance 27.

The coin receiving portion includes a coin lockout bar 29 which is rotatably carried by bearing blocks 31 such that its axis is adjacent the slot 19 and channel 25. The bar 29 is generally cylindrical in form but is cut away as at 33 in that portion registering with the slot 19 such that at this portion the bar is semicylindrical in shape. A lever 35 is secured to the bar 29 and is activated by means of a solenoid 37. Thus when the solenoid 37 is de-energized the bar 29 assumes a position as shown in FIGURE 3 whereby coin C may easily pass through to the channel 25.

Upon energization of the solenoid 27, however, the bar 33 is rotated to the position shown in FIGURE 4, such that a coin C in the slot 19 may not pass through to the channel 25. Energization of the solenoid may be in accordance with various functions, as will be described hereinafter.

Upon de-energization of the solenoid 37, a spring 39 causes the bar 29 to resume the position shown in FIGURE 3.

After passing through the coin receiving portion 11, the coin C enters the coin lifting section 13 which is shown more clearly in FIGURES 1 and 5 to 9. This section includes a pair of vertical tracks 41 upon which a carriage 43 travels on bearings 45. A vertical angle strip 47, secured to the carriage 43, carries thereon a plurality of dogs 49, 51 and 53. Each of the dogs 49, 51 and 53 is freely pivotable between their respective pins 55 and 57, as shown in FIGURES 5 and 6.

An arm 59 extends rearwardly from the carriage 43 and is connected to a walking beam 61 by means of an adjustable link 63. The walking beam 61 is pivoted as at 63 at a point intermediate its ends. The opposite end of the walking beam 61 includes a slot 65 which slidably carries a stud 67. The stud 67 is secured to an arm 69 which in turn is secured to the rotating shaft 71 of a motor 73. Thus upon operation of the motor 73, the arm 69 rotates -with the shaft 71 whereby the walking beam oscillates about its axis 63. Oscillation of the walking beam causes the extension 59 and the carriage 43 to reciprocate in a vertical direction between the limits as shown in FIGURES 1 and 5.

A plate 75 extends in a downward direction slightly lower Vthan the center dog 51 when .the carriage 43 is in its lowermost position as shown in FIGURE 1. On opposite sides of the dogs 49, 51 and 53 and located behind the plate. 75, there is situated a pair of guides or tracks 77 which 'can be `geen in FIGURES 7, s and 9 and which serve to receive and guide coins C in their upward travel.

vA transfer mechanism is disposed ybetween 4the coin receiving portion 11 and the coin lifting section 13. The transfer device includes a transfer block 79 fixed to a Shaft`81. Also secured to the shaft 81 is a lever block 83. The lever block 83 includes a shaft 85 extending therefrom as well as a finger 87 extending from the other sidethereof. The opposite end of the arm 85 is resiliently secured tothe carriage 43 by means of a spring 89. Thus, it is seen that upward movement of the carriage 43 and lever 85 together with the lever block 83, the transfer block 81 and the finger 87 are rotated counter-clockwise about the axis of shaft 81 whereby they assume the position as shown in FIG. 5. Upon its downward movement the carriage itself contacts the arm 85 to cause it and the associated blocks 81 and 83 to rotate to the position shown in FIGURE l. Y

-It Ishould be noted that with the transfer block 79 in the position shown in FIGURE 1, the coin C1 is blocked while the coin C2 is held in an upright position against the tracks 77. In order to prevent the coin C2 from falling downward, a pair of stops 91 are located adjacent the track 77.

A snubber 93 is secured to a rotatable shaft 95. An

-a'rm 97 and a second arm 99 are similarly secured to the shaft 95. One end of the arm 99 is resiliently secured to a portion of the machine by means of the spring 101 whereby the snubber 93 is resiliently urged into the channel 25. Upon clockwise rotation of the shaft 81 and consequent movement of the finger S7 the snubber 93 is `released from the channel 25. Thus, as `shown in FIGURE 5, when the carriage 43 is in its upper position, the transfer block 79 is positioned to receive a coin C1, at the same time the coin C and any coins placed in thechannel 25 subsequent thereto are retained by the snubber 93.

In order to count the coins which are placed within the channel 25, an electric switch 103 may be secured across the channel. An arm 105 of the switch may be directed into fthe channel 25 such that upon passage of a coin thereby, it is deilected` to operate the switch.

The channel 77, 'as can be seen clearly in FIGURE 9, includes'a'pressure plate 107 which may be resiliently urged toward the4 plate 75 by means of a resilient backing 109. Thus the spaces fbetween the channels 77 and the plate 75 are slightly `*smaller than the thickness of a coinV to be used therein. Consequently, it is apparent that once a coin isplocated within the channel 77 i-t will remain kimposition until it is forced along the channel by means of one of the dogs 49, 51 or 53.

The coin display column incorporates a track 111. The track 111 com-prises a transparent plate 113 and a lbacking plate 115 together with a pair of side guides 117, all of which form the track 111 in registry with the tracks 77. At the upper end `of the track 111 there is located a diagonal bar 119. It is noted that the side member 117 is not extending upward` to the area of the diagonal member 1119 whereby an opening 121 is formed on the side opposite Athe member 119.V As 'the coins C are raised they are contacted bythe diagonal member 119 and urged out the opening 121.

Disposed immediately below the opening 121 is'a transparentcylindrical tube 123 having an internal diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the coins tov be employed. Thus as the coins are raised through the track 111 'and out the opening 121 they fall into the tube 123 as a visible Ystack to form a second ,coin display column.

' A'pairof brackets 126 and 127 maintain the track 111 as Well as the tube 123 in their respective positions. vBehind the tube 123 is a bin 129 having a slanted oor 131 opening into a reservoir or chute 133. If desired, a coin collection bag, or the like (not shown) may be connected to the chute 133. Y

Operation of the device thus far described is as follows:

A coin C may 'be passed into the'slot 19, past the bar 29 and into the channel 25. It should be Arecogniiedi however, that the bar 29 must be in a position as shown in FIGURES 1 and 3 whereby the coin is free to pass into the channel 25. Upon passage into the channel 25, the switch 1&3 will be operated to open or close one or more circuits as desired (an example lof such circuits will be described hereinafter). The coin will continue to fall along the channel 25 until it abuts the transfer block 79 as shown for the coin C1 in FIGURE l. 1

One of the aforementioned circuits which the switch 103 may activate is that of the motor '73. Upon operation ofY the motor 73 the walking beamr 61 is oscillate'd und the carriage 43, as well as its dogs 49, 51 and 53 are re-A ciprocated vertically. The upward movement of the ear;A riage 43 causes the transfer block 79 to be moved to al position as shown in FIGURE 5, whereby the coin C1 lies upon the block 7 9. Upon the return downward movement of the carriage 43 the transfer block again resumes the position as shown in FIGURE 1. It should be noted Ythat while the block was in a position shown in FIGa URE 5, no additional coins are permitted to pass the snub= ber 93. Upon the next upward movement of the carriage 43 the lowermost dog 49 grasp's the coin (C2 in FIGURES l and 2) and moves it upwardly to the position shown in FIGURE 5. Upon the subsequent downward movement of the carriage 43, the dog 51 willpass over the coin C2 as shown in FIGURE 6. If additional oins are added at this time they Vwill be moved upwardly in a manJ ner similar to the coin C2. Upon additional upward arid downward movements of the carriage 43 the coin will be moved upward in sequence, by the dogs 51 and 53 until it reaches a position as shown for the coin C4 iii FIGURE 7. (This'position also shown by the coin C4 `FIGURE l.) Further upward movement-of the coin will be accom plished only by pressure applied, not directly from the dog 53, but rather from the dog 53 through an .additionalv coin. Thus the coin C3 will urge the coin C4 upward into the track 111 of the coin display column 15. Here the coins may be easily viewed and checked Vfor counterfeit. As additional coins are added the uppermost coin in the track 111 will be forced out of the opening 121 into the tube123. If the tube 123 is full, additional coins forced out the opening 121 will fall into the rearward reservoir 129 and through the discharge chute'133.

There is also provided means for ejecting coins from the chute 123, Vas shown in FIGURES 1, 7, 11 and 12. The ejecting mechanism includes a guide 135 which is secured to a horizontal frame member 137 of the machine. An ejecting bar 139 is carried by the guide 135 and pivotally carries a lever 141. The lever 141 is pivoted about a pin 143 and the opposite end of the lever is connected vto the armature of a solenoid 145. A spring 147 resiliently' urges the lever 141, as well as the ejecting bar 139, against the operation of the solenoid 145. e A coin ejecting dog 149 is pivotally secured at the end of the ejecting bar 139. The dog 149 normally rides within a recess 151 in the bar 139. The dog includes an upwardly extending tine 153 which serves to contact and eject the lowermost coin in the stack 125. The forward portion f the'tube 123 includes a slot 155 through which the coins are ejected into a tray 157.

'A narrow portion in the rear of the tube 123 is cut away as at 159, through which the dog 153 passes on its forward` excursion.V Since coins are ejected from the tubes 123, this tube serves as a visual display for determination as to whether or not sufficient coins are present for ejection.

In the operation of the coin ejecting apparatus, the solenoid is energized by means, an example of which will be described hereinafter. Energization of the solenoid causes the bar 139 and the dog 149 to be urged through the opening 159 of the tube 123. Such movement permits the tine 153 of the dog 149 to contact the lowermost coin C and urge it out through the slot 155. Upon subsequent de-energization of the solenoid 145 the spring 147 urges the bar 139 and the dog 149 to the right. As seen in FIGURE l2, this return movement of the bar 139 and dog 149 is accommodated by the free pivotable movement of the dog 149 about the pivot 161. Thus, the dog 149 freely passes beneath the neXt coin within the tube 123.

While the coin handling unit thus described may fulfill many uses, a single example of such use has been shown schematically in FIGURES 13 and 14. In FIGURE 13, there is shown a bank of six coin handling units. Each of the units accommodates a different one of the common denominations of United States coins. Various elements shown in FIGURES 13 and 14, which are identical to elements shown in FIGURES 1 to l2, bear like reference numerals. It should be realized that with machines as shown in FIGURES 13 and 14, many elements of the unit shown in FIGURES 1 to 12 need not be duplicated for each additional unit. For instance, a single motor 73 together with its walking beam 61 may be used for all of the units P, N, D1, Q, H, DO (FIGURES 13 and 14).

The machine of FIGURES 13 and 14 may be used Ias a coin changing device wherein an operator may change one or more coins into lesser denominations; or conversely, may change a quantity of smaller denominational coins into a more substantial coin.

Referring to FIGURE 14, the switches 1413 are shown connected not only to the motor 73 but also to a predetermined counter 163. It should be realized that neither the predetermined counter 163 nor the circuit of FIGURE 14 itself, is considered a portion of this invention but that they are shown merely as an example of the use of applicants invention.

The predetermined counter 163 may be considered of the general type in which each of several inputs will cause a different count. Thus, one closure of the switch -103 will cause an input on the counter to create five counts while closure of the switch 10310 will cause a count of twentytive. Plural closures of any one or more of the switches 1031 10311, 103131, l103g), 10311 :and 103100 causes an accumulative count in the predetermined counter 163. As an eX- ample, a silver dollar and a yfifty .cent piece may be inserted into the machine whereby the switch 10311 and .1103100 will be momentarily closed. Momentary closure of these switches will cause the predetermined counter to count fifty and one hundred respectively for a cumulative count of one hundred tifty. The predetermined counter 163 also includes outputs 11751, `1755, 17510, 17525, 17550 and 175100. Outputs occur ou the various lines i175 when the count within the counter i163 is equal to or greater than the respective subscript. Thus, in the example given with a count of 150 there will be an output on each of the lines 175 since the count is greater than each of the subscripts 1, 5,10, 25, 50 and 100.

Each of the lines 175 is connected to the coil `of a relay 177. One relay 77 is associated with each of the units. Each relay includes a contact 179 which is connected in series with a manual switch 181 and the coin ejection relay 145 for each respective unit. Mechanical means may be included whereby only one of the manual switches 181 can tbe depressed at any one time.

With potential applied to each of the relays 177, each of the contacts I179 is closed. Upon closure yof either of the manual switches-181, the associated coin ejection relay 145 will be oper-ated. Consequently, in the example given the manual switch 18110 may be depressed whereby the coin ejection relay 14502 is energized to cause ejection of a coin from the quarter bank Q of FIGURE 13. Closure of the manual switch 11S-1Q also closes the gan ged switch 18310. The closure of this latter switch causes an output lalong the line 1850;, to the predetermined counter 163. Each of the lines serve as an input to the predetermined counter in a subtractive manner. Thus, if the counter 163 were considered as a rotating disc, inputs lfrom the switches 103 will cause a predetermined amount of rotation in one direction whereby inputs from ythe lines 185 'will cause a predetermined amount of rotation in the opposite direction.

After the Ifirst depression of the switch 18-1 the count .within the counter 163 will be reduced to one hundred Itwenty ifive, in `the previously stated example. Upon two subsequent depressions of the switch i181, the count within the counter 163 will be reduced to seventy-five. At this point, since the count is less than one hundred and, like the switch 1103, each of the lines 1185 causes a subtractive count having a magnitude dependent upon which line 185 is energized, voltage will be removed lfrom the line 175100 and the relay 177100 is de-energized thereby opening its respective contacts 179100. At this point, depression of the manual switch 181D., will have no effect. However, any of the other switches 1181 may :be depressed for further operation of the device until the count eventually reads zero.

With respect to the operation of the c-oin lock-out relay 37, it may be connected to a source of potential through each of the switches 103 and a timer 187. The timer 187 serves to cause a delayed action of the coin lock-out relay 37 whereby an operator may have time t-o insert two or three coins. In addition, the normally closed switch 189 may be employed to selectively disable the coin lockout whereby the coins may be applied continuously to the handling machine.

As an alternative use of the circuit shown in FIGURES 13 and f14, it is apparent that a number of smaller coins such as one hundred pennies, may be inserted whereby the switch 103? will be closed one hundred times. Such operation of the switch 1031, will cause the predetermined counter to assume a count of lone hundred whereby voltage will appear on all of the lines 175. Under these conditions the :operator may depress the manual switch 101130 or any of the switches 18:1, whereby the changer may be employed as a means for changing from a smaller denomination to a larger denomination of coin.

I claim:

1. A coin handling device comprising a coin receiving chute having a coin slot `at one end thereof, a vertical coin display column having its lower end disposed above the other end of said coin receiving chute, means for transferring and lifting coins from the chute `into said vertical coin display column, the last named means including a transfer block disposed adjacent the bottom of said chute, said transfer block being movable ibetween hrst and second ipositions, said transfer block in its lfirst position being in registry with said chute and in its second position being in registry with said vertical coin display column, said transfer and lifting means further including means on said coin lifting means for grasping coins from said transfer block in its second position and for carrying the coins upwardly toward the vertical display column, said coin lifting means reciprocating vertically, and said means for grasping and `carrying the coins including at least one dog, and snubber means disposed in said chute when said transfer block is in its hrst position for preventing the passage of additional coins toward the transfer block.

2. A coin handling device `as defined in claim 1 together with means interconnecting said transfer block and said vertical reciprocation for moving said transfer block between its iirst and second positions in response to the movement of said reciprocation, and wherein said snubber means disposed in the chute for preventing passage of additional coins is selectively interconnected with the reciprocator for moving said snubber means into and out of .said chute.

3. A coin handling device comprising a coin receiving chute having a coin slot :at one end thereof, said chute being tilted and formedto cause coins entering said slot to lslide downwardly therealong ina slanting plane, an upstanding coin display column having itslowerend diS- posedabove the lower end of said coin receiving chute, said lcolumn being formed -to carry said coins in zarrupstanding plane disposed toiutersect said slanting plane in a substantially horizontal line, means for transferring coins from the chute into said coin display column, the last named means including a transfer block disposed adjacent the lower end of said chute, said transfer block being movable between ifirst and second positions, said transfer block having a portion formed to receive `and support a coin substantially ooplanar with the slantingplane of said chute `and in registry with'the chute 'when in Vsaid lrst position, saidblock being movable to tip the plane of the supported coin substantially into said upstanding plane and disposed coplanar therewith in registry with said coin display column, and cyclioally moving means serving t-o engage and lift the supported coin in said upstand-ing plane, andcarry ysame upwardly toward the display column.

4. A coin handling device as dened in claim 3 wherein said coin lifting means com-prises at lleast one dog and meansk for reciprocating the dog in said upstanding plane, and means serving .to synchronize the movement of said dog Iwith the movement of.said transfer block for said dog to engage and remove coins yfrom `said portion lof said block. l

5. A coin handling device as defined in claim I3 together with snubber means disposed in saidychute when said transfer block is in its `rst position for preventing the passage of additional coins toward the transfer block.

6. A coin handling device as defined in `claim 3 wherein said upstanding display column includes means yieldingly constricti-ng thepath of coins moving upwandly in said upstandingplane, said last named means beingrpositioned to support a column of c oins in said display column.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED `STATES PATENTS 

1. A COIN HANDLING DEVICE COMPRISING A COIN RECEIVING CHUTE HAVING A COIN SLOT AT ONE END THEREOF, A VERTICAL COIN DISPLAY COLUMN HAVING ITS LOWER END DISPOSED ABOVE THE OTHER END OF SAID COIN RECEIVING CHUTE, MEANS FOR TRANSFERRING AND LIFTING COINS FROM THE CHUTE INTO SAID VERTICAL COIN DISPLAY COLUMN, THE LAST NAMED MEANS INCLUDING A TRANSFER BLOCK DISPOSED ADJACENT THE BOTTOM OF SAID CHUTE SAID TRANSFER BLOCK BEING MOVABLE BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND POSITIONS, SAID TRANSFER BLOCK IN ITS SECOND POSITION BEING IN REGISTRY WITH SAID CHUTE AND IN ITS SECOND POSITION BEING IN REGISTRY WITH SAID VERTICAL COIN DISPLAY COLUMN, SAID TRANSFER AND LIFTING MEANS FURTHER INCLUDING MEANS ON SAID COIN LIFTING MEANS FOR GRASPING COINS FROM SAID TRANSFER BLOCK IN ITS SECOND POSITION AND FOR CARRYING THE COINS UPWARDLY TOWARD THE VERTICAL DISPLAY COLUMN, SAID COIN LIFTING MEANS RECIPROCATING VERTICALLY, AND SAID MEANS FOR GRASPING AND CARRYING THE COINS INCLUDING AT LEAST ONE DOG, 